Ms Whawell said subsequent inquiries by the lottery firm had succeeded in tracing Mr Harris because the numbers on the ticket were ones he had frequently used in the past.

“The matter was then reported to the police and Mr Shah was arrested,” she added.

'Unique position of trust'

The Post Office has since sought to defend its postmasters, saying the majority are "professional and honest.".

A spokesman said: “Post Office Limited believes that all postmasters hold a unique position of trust.

"The overwhelming majority of people who work in our branch network are professional, honest and provide the highest standards of service possible and so it is always disappointing when that trust is breached.